Frank A. Calenda

1930 - 2016

Frank A. Calenda

BUCYRUS: Frank A. Calenda, 85, of Kirkpatrick died peacefully Monday, March 21, 2016 at Heartland of Centerburg after months of failing health.

He and his twin sister were born May 3, 1930 in Brooklyn, New York to the late Vincent and Lena (D'Ambrosio) Calenda. Life was tough for the newly immigrated family in the depression, but he learned the value of hard work while growing up in NYC. After high school, he considered joining the priesthood, but instead earned a degree from Pace University in Manhattan and worked as an Accountant. He served in the US Army from 1953-1955 as a Medical Technician at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC. Frank moved to the countryside in central Ohio which he loved to call home. He was a Controller at Wyandot Popcorn, TODCO Door and retired from Country Star (now Sunrise) Co-op. His older brother, Joe moved nearby after retirement and they have since enjoyed their time together.

Since retirement, Frank devoted himself to volunteering at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Bucyrus, serving as treasurer and volunteering with flower sales and paper drives. He was a 20 year member of Crawford County Right to Life and regularly donated blood. At home, he liked to putter around the house, mow the grass, enjoy a glass of wine, and make sauce and pasta while listening to his favorite music. He held strong opinions and regularly got into spirited debates, but he did learn to relax a little bit in his later years.

Frank is survived by daughter, Stephanie (Mark) Thompson of San Jose, California; son, Mark (Angie) Calenda of Conroe, Texas; grandchildren, Andy (Ayano) Mathews, Bailey Mathews, Thomas (Krystal) Singleton, Jake Calenda, and Nicholas Calenda; great grandchildren, Miles, May, Kayley, and Felicity; brothers, Anthony (Anne) Calenda of Elmhurst, Queens, New York and Joseph Calenda of Kirkpatrick; twin sister, Sadie Slaski of Brooklyn; many nieces and nephews; and his special friend, Wilma Nye.

In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by brother, Michael Calenda; sister-in-law, Luisa Calenda; and brother-in-law, Thomas Slaski.

The Calenda family will receive friends on Monday, March 28 from 4-7 pm at Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St. in Bucyrus where a Rosary service will be recited at 7 pm. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday at 10:30 am at Holy Trinity Church, 760 Tiffin St. in Bucyrus with Fr. John Miller officiating and burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be given to Holy Trinity Catholic Church through the funeral home and memories and photos can be shared on Frank's tribute page at www.wisefuneral.com.